CITGO Lemont Refinery Awards First Responder Grants To Local Agencies

LEMONT, IL – CITGO Lemont Refinery awarded its fourth annual First Responder Grants to agencies in Lemont, Lockport, Romeoville and Will County as part of the CITGO Community Awareness Emergency Response (CAER) program, according to a news release from CITGO.

“Our community depends on the dedication of first responders—EMS teams, firefighters, law enforcement, and others—who work tirelessly to keep us safe,” Jim Cristman, Vice President and General Manager at CITGO Lemont, said in a news release. “The CITGO CAER First Responder Grants Program is here to support these heroes, providing resources and empowerment so they can continue serving and safeguarding the people of our local area.”

Eight grants totaling $80,000 were awarded to Will County Emergency Management Agency; Romeoville, Lemont and Lockport Police Departments; the Lemont and Lockport Fire Districts; and the Will County Sheriff’s Office, CITGO said.

The goal of the CITGO CAER First Responder Grants Program is to fund projects "that enhance the safety and efficiency of first responders, improve reputation and image of emergency responders and effectiveness, provide specialized training and development opportunities, and help acquire or upgrade equipment necessary for these activities," a release states.

The CITGO Lemont Refinery CAER Council was formed in 2002; the council is made up of police, fire, other community leaders and refinery leadership.